R6AQHA
CONFERENCE 2009
R6AQHA REGIONAL CONFERENCE
The first R6AQHA Horseman's Conference was held March 27th - 29th! First of its kind, the conference was an overwhelming success, due to the hard work of many R6AQHA Directors, 2nd VP and Conference Co Chair, Raeanne Bowden, Sessions Coordinator, Sherrye Trafton and Conference Chair, R6 President, Donna Rosciti.. With three continuous venues running sessions at the same time, there was something for everyone. Subjects included breakout sessions with AQHA Director of Corporate and Affiliate Partnerships, Leman Wall. Subjects with Mr. Wall included AQHA & You which explained AQHA Committees, leadership, Leased Horses, Permits, AQHA and its programs. He also explained the importance of bylaws, affiliate agreements, team building, take AIM, success in meetings during the Building Better Affiliates Session. All types of AQHA Shows and classes were discussed in another session and Mr. Wall took time for questions and answers in all discussions. AQHA Region 6 Director, Joe McAllister was on hand to assist Leman in all sessions.
Patti Colbert filled our expectations and then some as she filled the conference with good energy and inspired. Her motivational presentations and video touched the heart of every horse lover present. Wanda Lounder of Double L Stable Equestrian in Maine and Nancy Moos of Patriot Ridge Farm in Massachusetts gave an outstanding talk concerning the responsibilities, joys and costs of horse ownership. Nutrena Feeds sent Tom Cox and Jaclyn Gagnon with a very informative power point presentation on equine nutrition and equine needs. Professional Horseman, Tom O'Neil of Brookside Quarter Horses in Massachusetts and Ring Steward, Heather Cote explained what it takes to be a ring steward, score sheets and the entire job entails. “Designer Shoes” presented by long time farrier, John Trafton of Brunswick Maine, taught us about therapeutic and pathological shoeing, along with detailed information about the structure of the hoof and lower legs. Carefully drawn diagrams made this lecture very easy to understand. Insurance is often on the minds of many horse owners and Wendy Ashe of Bourgault, Ashe & Associates Agency explained in detail why, how much and when to we need it. A packed room created and designed their own ball caps using rhinestones, appliqués, glue and accessories. Under the guidance of Clothes Designer, Jennifer Miller and Donna Rosciti of Chopmist Hill Designs, this class was full.
Sherrye Trafton, AQHA Judge, Professional Horsewoman of Maine, taught everyone the importance of conformation and how it relates to form and function. Recreation Riding is an activity enjoyed by most of the horse population and Becky Kalagher of Bay State Trail riders gave a most informative presentation of trails, reconstruction, maintenance and open spaces. Jackie Hughes of Pine Hill Saddlery and Professional Horsewoman Kara Daugherty taught proper English attire for AQHA shows through demonstrations and model, Sarah Rosciti.
PROFESSIONAL HORSEMAN PANEL: L-R Wanda Lounder, Whitney Lagace, Sherrye Trafton, Karen Dodge, Tom O’Neil
Fire Chief, Mike Currier of New Hampshire explained the importance of fire prevention, hazards and forethought through video, handouts and detailed discussion. He took many questions and answers. "Hauling Precious Cargo" featured leading trailer manufacturers , proper hitches, trailer types, aluminum verses steel, straight load, slant loads, trailer features and road safety presented by Peter Armstrong, marine engineer and trailer designer. Dr. Celeste Blumerich of New England Equine Medical in Dover, New Hampshire explained lameness, treatments, first aid, vital signs and horse medicine during her informative presentation, “Equine Health". R6AQHA Director, Marge Tanner, R6 Director of Youth Activities, Michelle Dionne and AQHYA Directors, Jocelyn Tanner and Kayleigh McDonnell, coordinated, organized and presented several sessions just for youth including a live Horse Bowl demonstration, AQHYA & You, 4 H programming and explained the Junior Master Horsemen Program.
Jan Sheehan got everybody up and exercising in the session entitled "Rider Fitness". "That Perfect Look" session scheduled just before the Affiliates Banquet, was perfect timing as Professional Make Up Artist Paul Periera demonstrated technique, cosmetics and application for creating make up that creates the ring presence we all strive for. These were just some of the phenomenal collection of subjects covered in this event.
Saturday night was a magical gala where awards were presented, Heather Cote danced the Thriller Dance and everyone enjoyed a wonderful buffet of Italian food and there were so many desserts!
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS:
Barbara Breed Media Awards:
YOUTH ESSAY
1st Place: Jocelyn Tanner, receiving $50, Certificate & Plaque
2nd Place: Kaitlyn Ryan, receiving certificate, writing journal & $10
ART CONTEST:
1st Place: Leah Thomas, receiving $50, certificate & plaque
2nd Place: Stacy McNeil, receiving certificate, art supplies & $10
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST:
1st Place: Sarah Rosciti, Receiving $50, certificate, & Plaque
2nd Place: Marcella Falco, receiving $10, certificate & photo album
R6 President's Award: Amy Parker
R6 Spirit Award: Jocelyn Tanner
R6 Conference Appreciation Awards:
Event Coordinator: Raeanne Bowden
Speaker Coordinator: Sherrye Trafton
R6AQHA President, Donna Rosciti was awarded a Plaque of Appreciation for her leadership in Region 6
2009 Hall of Fame Inductee: Willard Rhodes
Sarah Rosciti receives the First Place Award in the Photography Contest, presented by R6AQHA Secretary, Amy Parker. Jocelyn Tanner is awarded the R6 Spirit Award
This one of a kind ball cap was carefully designed for Leman, by Patti Colbert in the BLING IT Class.
Each morning, participants were greeted with a huge continental breakfast buffet and everyone received a goody bag filled with items. Sunday concluded with Amy Parker explaining the R6AQHA Travel Site through web site presentation and how it creates the Region 6 Horseman's Crisis Fund.
John Trafton concluded the session with the R6 Willard Rhodes Scholarship. And then six of seven affiliates were represented, along with Leman Wall from AQHA in the affiliate roundtable discussions where such topics as Regional Walk Trot, the Limited Trainer Program, and other new programs were fine tuned. The conference concluded shortly after 11 a.m on Sunday. Everyone who attended came away with something learned, a great experience and alot of fun.
Preparing for the “Rider Fitness Class”
Respectfully Submitted by,
Donna Rosciti, R6 Conference Chair, R6 President
2009 Barbara Breed Media Award Winners
Barbara Breed was a driving force in the development of R6AQHA and its success. She thrived on the success of talent showcasing the American Quarter Horse. R6AQHA thought it only fitting this contest be created in her name.
~R6AQHA President, Donna Rosciti
YOUTH ESSAY
1st Place: Jocelyn Tanner, receiving $50, Certificate & Plaque
2nd Place: Kaitlyn Ryan, receiving certificate, writing journal & $10
ART CONTEST:
1st Place: Leah Thomas, receiving $50, certificate & plaque
2nd Place: Stacy McNeil, receiving certificate, art supplies & $10
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST:
1st Place: Sarah Rosciti, Receiving $50, certificate, & Plaque
2nd Place: Marcella Falco, receiving $10, certificate & photo album
2009 R6 Hall of Fame Inductee
WIILLARD RHODES
